The opposition Forum for Democratic Change has accused President Yoweri Museveni and his government of presiding over what it described as “40 years of institutionalised corruption,” arguing that recent investigations into former Speaker Anita Among are politically selective rather than a genuine fight against graft.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Sunday, FDC Vice Chairperson Centenary Robert Franco claimed the prosecution of Among was intended to create the impression that the government is serious about tackling corruption, despite what the party says is a long history of misuse of public funds under the ruling National Resistance Movement administration.
“Selective prosecution is not justice. Museveni is not fighting corruption. He is managing who among the corrupt retains his protection and who does not,” Franco said.
The party alleged that Among’s wealth accumulation, including investments in hospitals, schools, sports facilities, luxury vehicles, and real estate, happened openly and with the knowledge of senior government officials.
FDC further cited a number of high-profile government projects and scandals which it said symbolise entrenched corruption in Uganda. These included the stalled Lubowa International Specialized Hospital project, Atiak Sugar Factory, and alleged irregularities in the procurement of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines during the 2023/2024 financial year.
According to the statement, Uganda continues to lose more than UGX10 trillion annually to corruption, citing figures previously highlighted by the Inspectorate of Government.
The opposition party also referenced the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, claiming that despite several ministers being implicated, only a few individuals were prosecuted.
Franco accused the government of promoting nepotism, alleging that key positions in government and security agencies are concentrated within Museveni’s family and close associates.
“The biggest form of corruption is nepotism,” the statement read, adding that Ugandans continue to shoulder the burden of public loans allegedly mismanaged by corrupt officials.
FDC proposed a series of anti-corruption reforms, including restricting classified expenditures to genuine security needs, granting the Auditor General prosecutorial referral powers, creating an independent corruption reporting hotline, and ensuring public prosecution of all corruption suspects regardless of political affiliation.
The party also called for the removal of family members from senior government and military positions, and for judicial appointments to be handled independently from the presidency.